The Mermaid Inn
Mermaid Street, Rye old town · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Mermaid Inn
A fifteenth-century coaching inn on Rye's most famous cobbled street, with panelled rooms, huge inglenook fireplaces and a smugglers' history.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Mermaid Inn
The Mermaid Inn occupies one of the oldest and best-known buildings on Mermaid Street, its timbered front and uneven cobbles instantly recognisable from countless photographs of Rye. The current building dates largely from 1420, rebuilt after the town was razed by French raiders, and its cellars are older still, said to have sheltered the Hawkhurst smuggling gang in the eighteenth century.
Bedrooms are individually decorated, many with four-poster beds, exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces, giving each room a distinct character in keeping with the age of the building. Low doorways and uneven floors come with the territory, adding to the atmosphere rather than detracting from the comfort of the rooms themselves.
The inn's restaurant and bar serve modern British food alongside a well-regarded wine list, drawing on local produce including Rye Bay seafood and Romney Marsh lamb, and the walled garden offers a quiet spot away from the steady flow of visitors along the street outside.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We stopped here for lunch and were really impressed. The food was delicious, arrived quickly and the whole place is run incredibly well. The staff were exceptional -attentive, friendly and clearly worked brilliantly as a team. You could see the bar staff communicating large orders to the kitchen and everything just ran so smoothly. Credit to everyone working there. The building itself is absolutely beautiful too and made for a lovely place to stop
a month ago · via Google
Sunday lunch at the restaurant at The Mermaid Inn. This charming and historic inn has cellars dating back to 1156, rebuilt in 1420, one of Rye’s most famous buildings in a stunning cobbled street. Full of history and tales of Catholic priests fleeing persecution during the Reformation and notorious smugglers in the 1730’s the Hawkshurst Gang. Giant's fireplace bar - Lovely bar, very busy and only one staff. Wine choice a bit limited. Restaurant - Unique experience. Napkins with silver napkin rings on chargers, very nice touch. Formal and attentive service of the kind that you do not get any more except here. The food was really excellent, haddock croquettes, bresaola, Blackface lamb roast (huge!), cod loin. The cab sav and shiraz drinkable. Sunday luncheon 2 courses £30 was excellent value. Would highly recommend.
3 months ago · via Google
Staying at the Mermaid Inn has been on my bucket list for decades. At last we got to stay (Christmas Present from our daughter) Oh the magic of it all!! The Mermaid exceeded expectations. So much so that we will make it a yearly pilgrimage from now on. It's more than oldie worldie, it's over 600 years old!! It dates back to 1156 but burnt down only leaving the cellar. So it was rebuilt in 1420. It's like stepping back in history, like you are in a time warp. Magical. Where can you stay these days, and look out of windows that Elizabeth 1st has looked out of. The bars and lounges are steeped in history of smugglers and fascinating characters from the past. We stayed in room 16, the Elizabethan room with 4 poster bed and stained glass leaded windows. The room is haunted, but the bed was so comfy, I slept through any ghostly visits. I will catch up with them next time!! The bar drinks are very reasonable. The breakfast was superb. Plenty on offer and quality produce in the Full English. Staff are helpful and friendly. Rye itself is such a special place, with cobbles and independent shops and eateries. Marinos has a restaurant attached to their fish and chip shop, which was clean and inviting with beautiful food and attentive staff. We went back to the Mermaid for drinks as the drinks were cheaper than the Old Belle pub. If you love history and quaint places, you will be bowled over by The Mermaid Inn.
2 months ago · via Google
Great location, with fascinating history. If you’re looking for modern, chain run hotel… look elsewhere. If you want character and charm with friendly local service, stay here. A particular mention for the reception staff Dean who was very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was sufficient and they were able to alter the cooked menu slightly which was a bonus.
a month ago · via Google
Guests mention this historic inn offers delicious food, including hearty breakfasts and excellent Sunday roasts, with many rooms featuring unique four-poster beds. They also highlight the cozy, historic atmosphere, complete with open fires and original features, and appreciate the friendly, professional, and attentive staff.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Mermaid Street, Rye, TN31 7EY Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Mermaid Street, Rye old town
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.4 / 10 (1,450 reviews)
- Prices from
- £195 per night
- Destination
- Rye